ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday predicted that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) will see more of its members abandon the party following the verdict in the Avenfield reference.
While addressing the public in Lower Dir, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said, “Corruption was and remains Pakistan’s biggest [plague],” referring to the imminent verdict in Avenfield reference against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family.
“All of Pakistan is awaiting the verdict. I am waiting for the verdict. It is very important.
“These [corrupt rulers] stole the nation’s money and laundered it abroad. What they earn [during power], a common labourer cannot even earn in his lifetime,” Imran said.
Speaking to media, PTI Vice President Shah Mehmood Qureshi claimed the formerly governing PML-N has split into two groups. He didn’t comment on the ruling which is due by 3:00 pm today.
“The PTI leader said the party’s manifesto has been prepared. The gist of the manifesto was already presented in the shape of eleven points,” he said.
The PTI leader also said, “We are against corruption and those found involved in corruption will have to face accountability. We want across-the-board accountability. No one should be given leniency in the process of accountability.”
Qureshi said the PPP was conspicuous by absence in Punjab.
“The arrow assigned as the party’s election symbol does not figure in 104 out of the total of 141 national assembly constituencies,” he said.
In addition to that, PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said he was confident that the decision will be made against the Sharif family.
In a statement to the media ahead of the verdict, Chaudhry said his party’s interest was to see Nawaz punished and to bring back to Pakistan the funds channelled abroad by the accused.
“The Sharif family got a chance to defend itself,” said the PTI leader.
“I am confident that the verdict on the case will be just.”
“It will be important to see how Rs30 billion will be brought back to Pakistan,” the PTI spokesperson said, referring to the alleged money laundering undertaken by the Sharif family.
Furthermore, Chaudhry said that the court’s verdict on the case will have a positive impact on local politics.
“The accountability process of powerful people in Pakistan has begun,” Fawad said.
